Wagner and Pederson join Schlecks

Posted On 26 Nov 2010

The Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project has taken further steps towards building one of the strongest teams suited both to performing well in the great one day Classics as well as capable of controlling the peloton during long wind-swept Grand Tour stages. Wagner and Pedersen are two strongmen who are keen to work for their leaders and also well- equipped to take their own personal glory when the moment presents itself.

The team based in Luxembourg is pleased to have already managed to sign several significant riders for their Classics squad, and sees Wagner as an important component. Robert is a solid rider who is very strong on the flat, in the wind, on the cobbles basically: the tough races in Northern Europe, General Manager Brian Nygaard explained. He knows how to place himself in the sprints and always comes away with at least a couple of nice victories a year. Wagner would be the first to admit that his role on this new team will be a fantastic opportunity for him to learn from the best while being asked to contribute his special talents as well. This project is a big challenge for me and working with professionals and athletes of the highest quality will only help me reach another level, Wagner said. Every year I discover new things about myself and set new goals, but now I will be able to work for my team at a Pro Tour level which will add that much more motivation!

Happy to fill whatever role is given to him on race day, Wagner is looking forward to working with some of the strongest Classics and stage race riders in the world. I will be very determined to help this team be successful from the first race through the season finale, Wagner explained. Every one of my teammates is an absolute world class athlete. They are all well-known for their perfectionism and professionalism, so I cant wait to get the 2011 season underway. Nygaard appreciates this attitude and feels Wagner will be a huge asset come April. Robert is a team player and definitely someone we can count on in the Classics.

Dane Martin Pedersen will most certainly be happily helping Wagner ride tempo at the front of the peloton for many of the 2011 Grand Tour stages. I think my strengths rest in my ability to do well in many different terrains which will mean that I can be a service to the team in multiple situations, Pedersen explained. I also have a snappy sprint, so that I can take advantage of that when given the chance in breakaways, for instance. Pedersen is looking forward to the convivial environment the team promises to have, and will plan on taking full advantage of the huge learning opportunity. I will want to focus on improving both my sprint and my skills in the mountains, so that I will be able to offer the greatest assistance to the team, and indeed, put myself in a position to succeed personally, Pedersen explained.

Nygaard brought Pedersen on board because he sees the Dane as an important piece in the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project puzzle. We have set out to sign riders that we have every confidence in personally and professionally, Nygaard said. We did not sign anyone that we believed would not fit in the ethos of the team. Martin, I believe will fit like a glove not only with his skill as a bike racer, but also his accessible personality. With the full contingent of riders almost set, the team management has every expectation that they will be able to fulfill the demands that have already been placed on the burgeoning team. With the sort of riders we have signed, a lot will be expected of us, Nygaard admitted. And Im perfectly happy about that. We will not be bound by any outside pressures, but we do believe that we will outlast the hype and we have every confidence in our project.